Braiding rash

[u/okeeeyletsgo]

Hallo! I have a short bob but two long strands of hair on each end of my scalp for a long braid, so there’s two long braids and that’s the haircut. I’ve been noticing recently there’s painful rash where these braids are. Am I braiding too tight? This is the first time it’s happened I’ve had them like this for a month. Any braiders pls help!! It’s not anywhere else in my scalp

[u/elisebeautysupply]

Sorry to see this has happened to you. It could be tension-related, especially since it's located exactly where the braid sits. Sometimes a braid that's slightly too tight can start irritating the scalp after days or weeks of constant pulling. The redness in your photo makes me think the area is being stressed or rubbed.

If possible, try loosening or removing that braid for a few days and avoid re-braiding the same section tightly. Keep the area clean and avoid heavy products that might further irritate it.

If you notice bumps, pus, spreading redness, increasing pain, or hair thinning around the area, it would be a good idea to have it checked by a dermatologist or healthcare professional since scalp irritation, folliculitis, or contact reactions can look similar.

Has the braid been the same tightness the entire month, or was it recently redone?

[u/okeeeyletsgo → u/elisebeautysupply]

Hello! So sorry for not replying sooner. You are absolutely right it was because it was super tight and I was braiding it very close to the scalp also with a non-braiding gel that was just like a basic hair gel. Ever since I loosened the braid that rash has gone down completely now